Arkipyhä

Arkipyhä is a Finnish term that translates to "weekday holiday" or "regular holiday" in English. It refers to a public holiday that falls on a day other than a weekend, specifically Monday through Friday. This distinction is important in Finnish labor law and for understanding how holidays affect working schedules. When a public holiday occurs on a weekday, it is typically observed as a day off for most employees.

The concept of arkipyhä helps differentiate these holidays from those that might fall on a Saturday or Sunday, which are already non-working days for many. In Finland, several important national holidays are classified as arkipyhiä, including New Year's Day (Uudenvuodenpäivä), Epiphany (Loppiainen), May Day (Vappu), Midsummer's Eve (Juhannusaatto - though often observed on a Friday regardless of the actual day), All Saints' Day (Pyhäinpäivä - usually observed on a Saturday, so not typically an arkipyhä in the strict sense), and Christmas Eve (Jouluaatto - also often observed on a Friday).

The observance of an arkipyhä means that businesses and public services may operate on reduced hours or close entirely. For employees, it often means a paid day off, though specific regulations can vary based on employment contracts and collective agreements. Understanding the difference between a weekend and an arkipyhä is crucial for navigating Finnish working life and public holiday schedules.